By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE chairman of the ruling Covenant Party says they remain “intact” on Rota and Tinian and blames “exaggerations” for rumors that their organizations have dissolved on both islands.
Former Rep. Alvaro A. Santos said the party remains “solid and united” and has scheduled meetings on Rota and Tinian.
“The Covenant Party is still intact…(but there are) rumors and exaggerations (that may be an attempt) to damage or destroy the party,” Santos told Variety in an interview on Tuesday.
Last week, the Tinian Covenant Party elected a new set of officers after its chairman, former Mayor Francisco M. Borja, resigned.
“Stepping down from the position doesn’t mean he’s leaving the party,” said Santos who, like Borja, is a former Democrat. “He remains with the Covenant Party and his reason was to give others an opportunity to lead the group.”
Borja now serves among the party’s advisers on Tinian.
Santos said he met with the Tinian officers on Tuesday and will meet with Covenant Rota members this month.
He said he also heard rumors that some Covenant members are moving to other parties.
“But I checked and there’s no truth to that,” he said.
Santos said the Covenant Party is “very proud of the achievements” of its founder and titular head, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
He said Fitial’s first year as governor saw an improvement in the CNMI’s situation.
“This administration trimmed costs and stopped the abuses. It instituted controls and now there’s discipline and accountability. Now the next move is to bring in business opportunities to jumpstart the economy,” Santos said.
He said before summer, the party will come up with a complete slate for the November elections.
“We’re almost complete on Saipan. Filling our slate is not a major problem for the party. Our precinct clubs are organized, officers are being elected, and the central committee is supporting the precincts…it doesn’t dictate because we know that different precincts have different needs,” Santos said.
The party holds seven of the 18 House seats up for grabs this year. Together with two Democrats, one Republican and one Independent, these seven representatives form the majority bloc in the 15th House.
Of the three open Senate seats this year, one is held by the Covenant Party.